Halsey set to star in Replacer

Halsey is moving further into film with “Replacer,” a psycho-sexual horror project that launched sales at the Cannes market this week. The singer will star in the film and co-wrote the script with Avan Jogia, who is directing. Lilly Wachowski is attached as an executive producer, according to trade reports. CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group are representing North American rights, while Film Mode Entertainment is handling international sales. ### Who is making the film with Halsey? Avan Jogia is not just directing “Replacer” — he also co-wrote it with Halsey. The project adds a personal dimension because the two have been publicly linked offscreen as well, and both were expected in Cannes to support the launch and meet buyers. Lilly Wachowski’s involvement gives the package another notable name. (deadline.com) Trade coverage said Wachowski is serving as an executive producer, alongside a broader producing group that includes Kyle Mann of Independent Edge, Isabelle Deluce of Soft Focus Films and Damiano Tucci of Getaway Entertainment. ### What is “Replacer” actually about? (nz.news.yahoo.com) “Replacer” is set in Montreal and centers on Proxy, a troubled DJ played by Halsey. The character becomes stranded in the city and falls in with an alluring artist and a circle of friends who operate an underground radio station. The supernatural hook comes from the station’s signal. According to the film synopsis reported by entertainment outlets, a mysterious transmission hidden beneath Montreal’s subway system begins to distort the broadcast and threatens to transform Proxy and the people around her. (deadline.com) ### Why is Cannes part of the story? The Cannes market matters here because “Replacer” is being introduced to international buyers before production and release details are finalized. (deadline.com) CAA Media Finance and UTA Independent Film Group are shopping North American rights, while Film Mode Entertainment is overseeing sales outside North America. Film Mode’s role suggests the immediate focus is financing and distribution rather than a release-date announcement. (deadline.com) Reports said Halsey and Jogia planned to attend market events in Cannes as the film was presented to buyers. ### How does this fit with Halsey’s recent screen work? Halsey has been building a film résumé alongside music. Recent coverage of “Replacer” pointed to appearances in “MaXXXine” and “Americana,” framing the new project as a deeper move into genre filmmaking. (nz.news.yahoo.com) The horror angle is also consistent with how the film has been pitched. Jogia described “Replacer” in one report as a club-inflected horror story tied to romance, belonging and community, while Wachowski praised the script’s mix of horror, thriller and comedy elements set in a Montreal subculture. (nz.news.yahoo.com) ### What happens next for the project? (spinmagazine.com) Cannes is the immediate next checkpoint for “Replacer,” with sales meetings underway this week. The film’s next public milestones are likely to be distribution deals, financing updates or casting additions as buyers respond to the package. Halsey and Jogia were expected to be part of that push in Cannes, where the project is being introduced to the marketplace. (outloudculture.com) No production start date or release date had been announced in the reports reviewed. (nz.news.yahoo.com)